Explore the major policy developments impacting the global profession that we are currently engaging on at a European level, working closely with ICAEW Faculties as well as through our membership of European associations, including Accountancy Europe and CFE Tax Advisers Europe.
Green Agenda
A Green Recovery is at the centre of the EU’s efforts to build more resilient, sustainable and fairer economies and societies. This includes a commitment to the Green Deal, which seeks to pave the way to climate neutrality by 2050. As part of The Prince’s Accounting for Sustainability Project (A4S) Accounting Bodies Network, collectively representing over 2.5 million accountants worldwide, ICAEW is committed to helping the profession put sustainability and the fight against climate change at the forefront of its work. This includes our work to support some of the specific objectives of the European Green Deal and associated policy measures, including the EU’s renewed sustainable finance strategy.
Natural Capital Coalition
ICAEW is a founding member of The Natural Capital Coalition, a global, multi-stakeholder open source platform for supporting the development of methods for natural and social capital valuation in business. Amongst other projects, The Coalition has produced a Natural Capital Protocol which acts as a framework to support better business decisions by integrating natural capital.
Corporate Reporting
Corporate reporting is evolving. As a leading actor in the international regulatory and standard setting community, EU corporate reporting developments can have a broader global impact. ICAEW continues to closely follow and influence discussions relating to financial and non-financial reporting.
IFRS
Listed companies in Europe must prepare their consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), as endorsed and adopted by the EU. In light of the coronavirus impact, we are also closely following developments related to specific standards, particularly IFRS9 Financial Instruments.
Sustainability reporting
ICAEW continues to closely follow EU legislative change and the accompanying development of European Sustainability Reporting Standards. High quality, non-financial information and user-driven assurance on that information are key to improving transparency on key matters relevant to businesses and societies, including climate change issues.
European Single Electronic Format (ESEF)
Since the start of 2020, the rules introducing the new European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) are now in force and annual reports of EU listed companies should be prepared under the new regime. ICAEW continues to support members on the implementation of ESEF while also seeking clarity over the level of auditor involvement.
Corporate Governance
EU corporate governance framework addresses a range of issues relating to the relationships between a company’s management, board, shareholders and other stakeholders. Reflecting diverse company law traditions, the existing framework continues to leave scope for different systems and practices at national level. In line with the EU’s green ambitions, current legislative proposals seek to further embed sustainability into corporate governance by introduction new obligations on companies active in the EU on how they monitor and operate in their supply chains, as well as new duties for directors.
A key feature of effective corporate governance, audit committees play a pivotal role in overseeing the integrity and quality of financial reporting. Find out more about our research on how audit committees in different EU member states have evolved and are functioning today.
Audit
As the EU considers measures to improve the quality and reliability of corporate reporting by listed companies, ICAEW continues to advocate for a practical approach to reform that addresses the quality of corporate reporting, statutory audits and the effectiveness of supervision. We work to ensure that members remain informed of key EU policy developments, while engaging closely with other professional bodies and stakeholders to help improve audit quality.
Tax
As part of ICAEW’s strategy to support a world of stronger economies, we track tax reform efforts in the EU, sharing guidance with policymakers and other external stakeholders. Particular focus is on EU steps to future-proof tax systems post-pandemic while countering aggressive tax planning, issues that we are also addressing through our membership of CFE Tax Advisers Europe.
Read more on the CFE Tax Advisors Europe paper on Professional Judgement in Tax Planning.
Public Finances
As governments across Europe grapple with significant economic, political, environmental and societal challenges, sound accountancy and financial management will be critical to help underpin the strengthening of sustainable public finances. Find out more about our long-standing initiatives to enhance shared understanding on the key issues affecting public finances in Europe and the need for reform of government accounting.
Digital Agenda
Digital transformation will play a central and priority role in re-launching and modernising European economies and societies. With new technology and technologically driven change impacting everyone, including the profession, we follow EU developments in this area while sharing expertise, knowledge and insight.